USA > Pennsylvania > Montour County > Danville > Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania : a collection of historical and biographical sketches > Part 16
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Lyons' Hall, is on the third story of his brick building on Mill street. It has at times been used on public occasions.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Moyer Lyons' Hall is in Excelsior block and is also used on some general occasions, but mainly as a club-room. So also is the hall in Kaufman's building on the corner of Mill and Center streets, and perhaps some others.
Thompson's Hall was built about 1859. It was then by far the largest hall in town and was much used for all the purposes to which public halls are usually devoted. It is still in use and is second only to the Opera House.
The Opera House is one of the grandest public buildings in the interior of the State. The want of a suitable hall had been dis- cussed for some time and it took practical shape with William J. Reed, in 1871. He purchased the ground conditionally, on the corner of Mill and Mahoning streets, of Jacob Snyder. There was an understanding that Reed was to do the excavating and Snyder was to invest $6,000 in the building. Accordingly William J. Reed broke ground for the Opera House on the 4th of July, 1871. A company was then organized and a charter was procured from the court, for, as they styled it, " The City Hall Association." After some time it was agreed that the stock should be exchanged for cer- tain portions of the work, Reed having previously agreed to furnish the brick and had also contracted for the stone. C. S. Wetzel of Danville, was the architect and by his counsel and advice, the issue of stock for aid in building, was set aside after certain con- tracts in that direction had been made by Mr. Reed. Whereupon Mr. Reed, in March 1873, sold his interest and retired. He was certainly the moving spirit in the enterprise. But for him the pro- ject would no doubt have failed at that time, and consequently we would be without our grand opera house. On the other hand Jacob Snyder would not have lost his fortune. Still it is an open question whether the sacrifice of Snyder or any one else was really necessary to secure an opera house. There is much in the management of great enterprises that make or mar the fortunes of men. The opera house building is 156 by 84 feet, and is located on the corner of Mill and Mahoning streets. The basement contains the heating and ventilating apparatus. The ground floor is occupied by the post- office, Kramer & Co's treble store fronting on both Mill and Ma- honing streets, Dennis Bright's hardware store, Ramsey Child's stove and tinware store, and M. T. McGuire's gas fitting and plumbing
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MONTOUR HOUSE.
ยท establishment. The theater is on the second floor approached by two stairways from Mill street. It is a magnificent chamber. Its appointments, adornments, seenery, and properties are all elegant, costly, and complete. The briliant chandelier sheds a beautiful light over the parquet, the dress circle, and stage ; whilst the spark- ling ornaments lend a grandeur to the scene that excites both won- der' and admiration. There are fourteen hundred reversible opera chairs upholstered in crimson plush. In one word there is not a theater in the State that excels the Danville opera house in elegance, comfort, or in acoustic qualities. There are also a number of rooms on the second, third, and fourth floors, accupied as lawyers offices, club-rooms, and lodge-rooms.
It is somewhat strange to see a man like Jacob Snyder, a plain, honest farmer, risk all his fortune, the hard earning of a life time, in an enterprise like the building of such a magnificent opera-house, an enterprise so far in advance of the town. and where the large capital invested had to remain partially dead until the town grew up to it. It is nothing to see a speculator hazard the loss or gain of thousands, but for an honest, hard-working farmer like Jacob Sny- der to venture all in a project like this, is remarkable. But no doubt he got into it by degrees, and had at last no choice but to involve himself for its completion. Surely Danville owes a debt to Jacob Snyder for the splendid opera-house, that is the pride and boast of its citizens. Let him see that he has not sacrificed himself for the benefit of a thankless community. Don't leave it until he is dead either, and then pay the debt with a monument when the sense of earthly enjoyment has passed away forever.
Montour House.
The Montour House is a large hotel, opposite the court-house. It was originally built by General Daniel Montgomery who kept a store in the corner room. An orchard extended from the building up to Ferry street. Boyd, Colton and Donaldson also kept store there. In 1834 it was first opened as a hotel by Samuel Brady, who gave it its name " The Montour House." In 1846 G. M. Shoop purchased the property, and subsequently the house was kept by W. G. Gaskins Cornelius Garretson, Smith, Kramer, Kirk and Jones. About 1859 James L. Riehl, the present proprietor pur-
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
chased the Montour House, and it has since been kept by him. The house has been remodeled and greatly improved and ranks with the best hotels of the country. It contains every modern convenience and is kept in the best possible manner. For its popularity the house is much indebted to Samuel Cressman, the gentlemanly clerk, whose attention and accommodating spirit have made hosts of friends for the Montour House. The proprietor, Mr. Riehl, ever watchful for the welfare of his guests superintends every department of the establishment, and insures to all, every comfort that could be desired.
Market.
Like all other small towns, Danville had been supplied with the produce called "marketing," by the farmers and others who came at irregular times and huckstered through the various streets and alleys of the town. This mode rendered the supply very uncertain and the prices were still more uncertain. Through the newspaper then under my control, I persistently urged the advantages of a regular market, under the regulations of the town authorities. The people began to think about it and finally the council took up the subject and passed an ordinance for the establishment of a regular market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, closing at eleven o'clock A. M. each day.
It is called "curb-stone market." The wagons backing up to the pavement and each paying a dime for the privilege on each market day. This is collected by the street commissioner, who makes his returns to the council.
On the 19th of April, 1872, an ordinance was passed, embody- ing general regulations for the market.
The first section fixes the market days and that Mill street from Spruce to Mahoning should be used for the market. It forbids sales in gross during market hours, except grain and flour.
The second section forbids the hawking or selling of produce on the streets, except fresh fish and oysters, at any other time or place than the time and street designated.
The third section forbids under a penalty, the sale of any tainted or unwholesome article.
The fourth section fixes the tax and orders that the market shall
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be on the west side of the street from October to May ; and on the east side from May to October. The street is not to be blocked and free crossings shall be maintained and room for business men to load and unload goods.
The fifth section defines the penalty for light weights or short measures.
Under these rules and regulations the market has been success- fully conducted to the present time. The street commissioner, at present Mr. Faux, also acts as market inspector.
The Danville market is well supplied by the farmers and pro- ducers of' Montour and Northumberland counties. Among the regular attendants is Jesse Conway. His inviting assortment always attracts the crowd and he always sells out at an early hour. Howard James is emphatically the "butter man." He is always on hand with the choice, fresh roll butter of the country. C. S. Soper, he of the Washington hills, has converted a barren ridge into a pro- ductive garden teeming with the choicest fruits and vegetables in their season. He attends market just when it suits him ; but when he does come, he gets better prices and sells faster than anybody else. Charles Maus, always has a nice lot of fruits and vegetables and finds a ready sale. Mr. Hendricks and Mr. Kirkner are also regular attendants and supply a host of customers. There are many others worthy of mention, who keep the people of Danville supplied with the products of the farm, the garden and the dairy. The market rules are seldom violated, the dime is cheerfully paid and the market is a success. The great want now is a market-house.
Danville.
Danville is laid out with as much regularity as the nature of the ground will admit. The streets run north and south, east and west, with very little variation. They are not as broad as they should be, especially the main avenues of trade. Mill street is laid solid with cobble stones or it is McAdamized. The best blocks of business houses are in Mill street in the Third ward, and the finest residences are on Market street, though some portions of Mahoning, Mulberry, and other streets are very pleasant. With the exception of Mill street there are well shaded pavements and the green foliage in the summer-time adds much to the beauty and the comfort of the place.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
The canal runs in a westerly course through the center of town and is spanned on the main streets with neat iron bridges. The public square is on Market street, between Ferry and Pine streets. The water and gas pipes are laid in nearly all the streets ; but the sewer- age is not complete, and owing to some disagreement with the gas company, there has been no light on the streets for several years. The town, however, has been well governed, and there is about as much safety as in any other place of equal size. Latterly there have been several alarms of fire, that have caused the authorities to dis - cuss the necessity of watchmen or a paid police force.
There have been two additions to the town in late years, " Ma- gill's Addition" on the Bloom road and " Gulick's Addition," on the east. A large number of lots have been sold and improved in these additions. The future extension of the town, must of neces- be mainly eastward, as it is the only direction in which there is suita- ble room for any considerable extension.
The Fire Department.
The volunteer fire department of Danville is noted for its activity and efficiency. The members are among the most intelligent and respectable citizens of the place.
The 'Friendship is the oldest organization in the department, hav- ing been organized in 1841. It occupies a handsome engine house on Ferry street. Before the water works were built it was furnished with a steam fire engine. This is no longer necessary. Their regu- lar meetings are held on the last Saturday of each month.
The Washington was formed in 1859. They also have a neat and pleasant house. It is located on Market street. Their regular meet- ings are on the first Saturday of each month.
The Continental was also organized in 1859. Their comfortable house is on Mill street, and their meetings are held on the last Sat- urday of each month.
The fire department is made up of volunteers, and is under the general control of the town council. The council districted the town and regulated the ringing of the bells by the following schedule :
First district .- All of South ward west of Church street.
Seeond district .- All of South ward east of Church street.
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MY OWN RECOLLECTIONS.
Third district .- All of North ward east of Pine street and Cata- wissa railroad.
Fourth district .- All of North ward west of Pine street and Cata- wissa railroad.
Fire alarm for each district with be as follows :
First .- Commencing with fire alarm and one tap for the First dis- trict.
Fire alarm and two taps for the Second district.
Fire alarm and three taps for the Third district.
Fire alarm and four taps for the Fourth district.
My Own Recollections.
In the spring of 1857 there occurred what was known as " the big strike" at the Montour iron works, then under the management of J. P. Grove. Some six or seven hundred men in regular order, by day and by night for more than six weeks, were constantly marching through the town ; halting for speeches at the court-house, or on the grounds of the Grove church. They were orderly as a general thing, did no harm to any one, but marched along merrily singing songs composed for the occasion. The principal speaker was John Hanna. He was quite a ready talker with a large vein of humor that kept the boys wide awake and elicited much applause. True there was not much elegance in his utterances ; but there was " mother wit" and keen sarcasm that made him immensely popular and many others not connected with the strike, crowded round to hear John Hanna. Poor fellow, his popularity ruined him. He sank like many others under the influence of social habits and died almost forgotten. Andrew J. Thompson was also one of the most promi- nent leaders of the strike. He afterwards left this place, and has been dead a number of years. During the " big strike," the men and their families were supplied with provisions by the farmers of the surrounding country as well as by the citizens of Danville ; for in that strike, public sympathy was enlisted very warmly on the side of the working men. But it finally terminated, in some kind of a compromise and they returned to work. There have since been partial strikes on various grounds ; but none so general, or so well sustained by popular sentiment and " material aid."
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
From the canal to Mulberry street, there was on each side of Mill street, a row of low, dingy, frame buildings. Some were reached by a plank gangway from the sidewalk, as the street was only par- tially filled up, and the sidewalk was only a narrow and rickety bridge resting on frail trestles, or scantling stuck in the mud on a level with the creek that passes under the street at Keiner's store. There were only three or four brick buildings in that part of the town, one of which stood on the present crossing of the railroad, in which Smith B. Thompson resided. But one by one and sometimes by the half dozen, the fire-fiend swept away the old, wooden build- ings, and the solid, elegant brick structures of to-day, took their places. The brick buildings of Mr. C. Laubach, Moyer Lyon and Jacob Reed, are all that remain, on either side of Mill street, from the canal to Mulberry. There was but one iron front in town, and that was the store of E. W. Conkling, adjoining the old bank build- ing. It was burned with the corner building, Mill and Market streets, and still lies in unsightly ruins in the main thoroughfare of the town. J. O. Richardson and C. C. Baldy, kept the only hard- ware stores in Danville. T. O. Van Allen had a large store of gen- eral merchandise on the corner above named, and Richard B. Hul- lihan, was for many years the genial and popular clerk. Isaiah S. Thornton kept a shoe store in the Montgomery building; but Thomas Woods, opposite the opera-house, had and still keeps what is emphatically known as the "Oldest Shoe Store.". M. C. Grier, J. B. Moore and Dr. William M. Bickley kept the drug stores. Among the merchants of twenty-five years ago, who are still in business, are C. Laubach, J. C. Rhodes, P. Baldy, Jr., W. H. Has- sanplug, Saul Lyon, Henry L. Gross, and E. Thompson.
Among the physicians were Doctors Magill, Hughes, Simington, Strawbridge, Snitzler. The lawyers were E. H. Baldy, William C. Johnson, J. W. Comly, H. A. Childs, John G. Montgomery, B. K. Rhodes, Paul Leidy. Alexander Jourdan was judge and Daniel Frazer was sheriff.
Shilo German Reform Church. .
The German Reform congregation was organized in 1858, under the pastoral charge of Rev. D. W. Wolf. Services had been held in
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JOHN C. MILLHOUSE.
the court-house for some time and the young congregation, com- posed of twenty members, was organized. In 1859 a new church was built on Bloom street, though it remained unfinished for some years and was not dedicated until December 20, 1862. Rev. D. W. Wolf resigned in 1861, and on the Ist of May, 1862, Rev. J. W. Steinmetz assumed the pastoral charge of the congregation. The church is of brick, 60 by 40 feet, with a pleasant basement. The congregation now numbers more than two hundred. Rev. J. W. Steinmetz resigned the charged. The present pastor in Rev. Mr. Schaffer.
John C. Millhouse.
John C. Millhouse is a son of St. Crispin and a master of his craft. During the war he was with Gen. Burnside in his memorable expedi- tion to North Carolina. At Roanoke and Newburn, he manifested the sterling qualities that crowned the Ninth corps with the garlands of victory, and that finally saved our flag from dishonor, and our free institutions from the maelstrom of destruction. Mr. Millhouse was one of the most valued army correspondents of the American, then published by the writer of this volume. Many of the former readers of the American will remember, how, in those stormy days, we anxiously looked for his letters, as they always gave us a clear and in- telligent view of the situation. Returning home after the great work was done, he resumed his occupation. But fortune did not smile on him as he had reason to expect. Several times his shop with his tools and stock were mysteriously destroyed by fire ; once it was burglarized and the most valuable stock of leather was stolen. But each time with a firm will and patient industry he commenced anew. In 1876 the old shoe shop became a sort of head-quarters for the greenbackers. The working men being in enforced idleness, often met in the shoe shop to discuss the situation, to investigate the cause of business stagnation, and to seek a remedy. Ranged on rickety benches round the wall, through the stormy winter days and long winter nights, the interest never flagged in the great question that involved the well being of themselves and families, as well as the prosperity of the country at large. I often spent a plesent hour in their midst and thus in jingling rhymes rehearsed the story of
I
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
" THE OLD SHOE SHOP."
When down the stream of Time afar, Some lowly bard may catch the strain That lingers 'round the old Shoe Shop, And sing its glories once again.
He strikes his harp to numbers low, Perchance on next Centennial year, Recalls the scenes of long ago, While thousands crowd around to hear.
How village statesmen gathered there, In sober ranks around the wall, And oft display'd more solid sense Than those who spoke in Congress Hall.
The chief was known for skillful work, And rain or shine, from early dawn, His gavel rung upon the stone- His work was good-his name was John.
And as he drew the wax-end through, He drew conclusions bold and strong, From standard books and careful thought Showed where financial laws were wrong.
With one accord the patriot band Indorsed his views and gave their own. Could they have made their country's laws, Financial storms had been unknown.
But all are gone to meet no more ! The tide swept on, they could not stay ; The young have sought a western home, The old, perchance, have passed away.
But by the streams 'or sounding shore, In distant lands or on the main, In day dreams oft these friends of yore Will gather 'round the stove again.
Ah, no! they never can forget The scenes and friends to mem'ry dear, While life indures, for they shall grow More bright with each departing year.
Like pilgrim shrine, this place is sought Since two-score-years had pass'd away, When, lo! there came a wondering bard- 'Twas on a bright Autumnal day.
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JOHN C. MILLHOUSE.
He cross'd the street and gain'd the lawn, Where once a gate swung to and fro ; He touched his harp and rais'd his voice, And mournful sang in numbers low.
Not one is left with me to view This crumbling shop in ruins laid; And save in dreams they ne'er shall know The fearful wreck that time has made.
The window glass and sash are gone, Half open stands the crazy door ; The boards are warp'd-the frame is sprung, One corner sunk a foot or more.
Along the roof and crumbling eves The wasp has built his house of clay, And through the gaps that time has made, The beetle wheels his droning way.
Like Pisa's grand and wond'rous tow'r, The chimney seems about to fall ; Its base is gone-its ragged crown Leans out some feet beyond the wall.
And there, within the corners dim, Many a heedless victim dies, For there the spiders weave their webs, And set their traps to catch the flies.
The mice are gambling on the floor And seeking for the paste-horn still, While undisturbed the cricket sings His plaintive song beneath the sill.
And as the logs beneath the floor Yield to time and sure decay, The noisome snail, with horns erect, Slowly marks its devious way.
Beneath the stones and in the mould, The centipedes by thousands roam : And in the corners, damp and dark, The squalid toad has made its home.
Farewell, old shoe shop! You must go, As you, perchance, have gone before ; In changing forms you come and go, But we, to life that dies no more !
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Well, there may be some romance about a shoeshop on rare oc- casions ; but as a general thing there is an everlasting sameness. The shoemaker's bench is the same old pattern it was an hundred years ago. You see a low seat, lined with leather conveniently dished, a drawer containing odds and ends, the bench checkered off with little compartments, containing pegs, bristles, tacks, a ball of wax and a piece of broken glass; and what is strange you never see a new one. They are all old and dingy.
M. S. Ridgeway.
M. S. Ridgeway came to Danville about 1844 and has since been one of our most valuable and enterprising citizens, except a brief period when he was manager of a rolling-mill, in Youngstown. Ohio. Long years as manager of the large iron manufactory origi- nally known as the "Montour Works," tried him to the utmost and brought out those sterling qualities of character that mark the able executive, as well as the man. His daily intercourse with the thou- sands of employees who have been under his charge, is always dig- nified and courteous, and at the same time firm and exacting where duty to all is involved. Strangers or casual observers are apt to re- gard him as somewhat cold and austere. But this seeming may be the result of constant habit in controlling the varied and oft times turbulent elements, incident to a large corps of operatives, and in exacting from each the duties required. On other occasions the sunny side of his nature is manifested, and no man in the com- munity is more generous or liberal, social or benevolent. No work- ingman worthy of a favor ever appealed to him in vain, and many will long remember his substantial efforts in their behalf. The iron worker before his glowing furnace, will bless the man who in- troduced a shield, to defend him from the burning heat. Not only does the improved furnace door defend the worker ; but it is also of great pecuniary advantage to the manufacturer. He who con- tributes in any degree, to the benefit of mankind, is more worthy of note than he who conquers millions.
Mr. Ridgeway enjoys, as he justly merits, a wide reputation as a successful manager of iron works, as well as a complete knowledge of iron in all its combinations, grades and forms. His son, E. O. Ridgeway, is making his mark in the same direction.
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THE COURT-HOUSE.
John P. Leisenring.
John P. Leisenring was a native of Northumberland county. He was born on the 23d of December, 1816, and died at his residence, on Mahoning street, Danville, on the 7th of September, 1870, con- sequently he was nearly fifty-four years of age. He came to Dan- ville about 1848 and established a picture gallery which soon won the popular favor. He was a strictly honest man and a model of industry. As an artist he was ambitious to keep pace with the rapid improvements in his profession ; and by his skill and fair dealing, he kept up a flourishing business in his photographic gallery for more than twenty years. During this time he acquired some prop- erty, and found himself in easy circumstances. He was a good citi- zen, attending to his own business, but was always ready and prompt to aid others, or to contribute to any good cause, civil or religious. In him the suffering and the needy always found a friend. To many other excellent traits of character may be justly added that of " peace-maker." During the latter part of his life, he thought and spoke much of the life which is to come-of that undiscovered coun- try that lies beyond the life that now is, and in his lingering illness of eight months duration, he bore his sufferings with the fortitude and the resignation of a Christian. He was a member of the First Baptist church in this place, but now we trust of the church above. In him I, with many others lost a true and steadfast friend ; but our loss for a season, is his gain for ever.
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